GPS functionality is available through the Dell Wireless 5520, 5530, 5540, 5550, 5720, and 5600 Mobile Broadband adapters. GPS is not supported on every computer (if the GPS button is not shown or is grayed out it is not supported on your computer).

The Mobile Broadband adapter does not have to be activated in order for the GPS function to work.

Before you proceed ensure that you have a clear line of sight to the sky, which means it probably will be necessary to perform these steps outside.

Some systems such as our Rugged series, now have the option of purchasing a dedicated GPS Chip/Card. However this does depend on your model of system and if this option was chosen at point of purchase and will NOT be dealt with here. However they can only be sold in conjunction with a Mobile Broadband card, so I would not anticipate much change.

There are various USB and Bluetooth adapters from third parties that also give GPS functionality - This article will NOT deal with these devices.

Note: If the GPS does not work and reports only random binary data in the NMEA data stream window, then you may want to start troubleshooting by reading the GPSCTL man page in CLi. It will be useful in identifying where the fault lies.

This article provides information on how to download drivers for the Mobile Broadband adapter installed in your computer and you can set the correct operating system type on the Downloads page itself. Please be aware that drivers for Ubuntu will be part of the Dell Ubuntu Image ISO preloaded on your system at the factory and the Ubuntu download page will mostly have updates and fixes.

Note: On Ubuntu Systems, the majority of drivers and services are installed as part of the operating system install. To ensure a software issue is fixed, once a hardware issue has been ruled out - you may be asked to reinstall your operating system from the Dell Ubuntu ISO. Whilst it is possible using advanced terminal commands to individually test and reinstall drivers and services, this is outside of the scope of a Dell Pro Support Warranty and the skill set of a typical support agent. If you want to pursue this ahead of a Ubuntu reinstall - you will be directed to use the extensive community led Ubuntu forums online for further help.

Note: Look for "MDM,WRLES" the model number will begin with "DW". You can also use the Find feature of your browser by clicking Edit, then Find. Enter MDM,WRLES in the text box to find the Mobile Broadband adapter

GPS functionality is available through the Dell Wireless 5520, 5530, 5540, 5550, 5720, and 5600 Mobile Broadband adapters. GPS is not supported on every computer (if the GPS button is not shown or is grayed out it is not supported on your computer). For more information on what Mobile Broadband adapter is in your computer, refer to the How to Find Out Which Mobile Broadband Adapter Is in Your Dell Computer section.

The Mobile Broadband adapter does not have to be activated in order for the GPS function to work.

Note: For more information on where the wireless switch is located for your specific computer, browse to the Online User's Guide. Click the make and model of the computer and the preferred language. Download the Setup Guide or User's Guide and refer to the wireless switch information. Alternatively you can search on the Dell Website for your particular system types Visual Guide.

(For more information on how to perform these steps refer to the links above.)

Make sure the wireless switch on the computer is on.

Note: For more information on where the wireless switch is located for your specific computer, browse to the Online User's Guide. Click the make and model of the computer and the preferred language. Download the Setup Guide or User's Guide and refer to the wireless switch information. Alternatively you can search on the Dell Website for your particular system types Visual Guide.

Make sure the latest Mobile Broadband driver is installed, for more information read the following article: